A ROYAL EVENT

Every festival needs a queen to reign over the activities, and Cape Girardeau's Riverfest is no exception.

This year the Riverfest Queen contest will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, since a Friday venue conflicted with Cape Central High School's graduation ceremony.

Contestants will go through a five-minute formal interview Saturday morning before a panel of judges. The girls will then take the main stage Saturday afternoon where, dressed in formal wear, they will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience and make a final impression upon the judges.

The contest is open to area girls in grades nine-12. Cybertel is this year's event sponsor.

The winner will receive a crown, a sash, a savings bond and an array of prizes donated by area businesses. Girls in first through fourth places also will receive trophies.

Just prior to the queen pageant, a Little Miss Riverfest will be chosen from a pool of girls ages 5 and 6.

After they are crowned, Miss and Little Miss Riverfest will reign over the remaining events. Until a new queen is chosen, Miss Riverfest 1993 will officiate.

"After Riverfest, the queen and the little miss can be called upon by the Chamber of Commerce to make special appearances at store openings or other events," said Bonnie McCollough, chairman of the pageant. "We also ask that the girls avail themselves for special events, where they can be called upon to make an appearance or to speak."